Durga Puja festival was celebrated with revelry and merriment at Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach by the Dakshini Bengali Association of California from Oct. 15 to Oct. 17.
Lots of activities marked the festivity including auspicious puja, entertainment and talent show by local youth.

The highlight of the celebrations was the thrilling performance by AnweshaDatta Gupta on Oct. 15. Anwesha, a 16-year-old singing prodigy, was runner up of the television shows 'Amul Star Voice of India,' 'ChhoteUstaad' and star of 'Music kaMahaMuqqabla.' She has made her debut in the Hindi movie industry with 'Golmaal Returns.'

Datta gave three hours of an energy-packed performance, with songs Bengali and Hindi. The lineup included devotional songs, old melodies and dance numbers. The outstanding performance was equally reciprocated by the nearly 900 audience who enjoyed each bit of the concert.

Other performers of the evening were Bandita and Trijoy. Bandita, an accomplished singer and 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' finalist, started with a devotional Bengali song followed by popular Hindi and Bengali numbers. Trijoy is a famed singer from 'Sony WarrParivar" who has landed his voice on 'Sat Phare,' 'KyounkeSaasBhiKabhiBahuThi' and 'GharGhar Ki Kahani.' He made the audience sit on the edge of their seats with a rendition of 'Bolo Durga Ma Ki Jai'. He also sang popular numbers amidst applause of the audience. All the three performers then joined together in a rousing performance.

On Oct. 16, the drama, 'EkJhuriRupkatha' was staged in the school auditorium. 30 children participated in the thought provoking and enlightening play that let the audience witness the magic of music. Later in the evening, Rabindrasangeet maestro SwagatalakshmiDasgupta's performance had the audience mesmerized.

The last day of the star-packed event was marked by a variety of dance peformances by members of the Indian-American community. The festival ended with "SindoorKhela" in which women of the community participated.

RoopChaterjee was conferred 'Dakshini 2010 Lifetime Voluntary Award' by Dr. Kali PradipChaudhuri. His grandson accepted the award on his behalf as he couldn't attend the function due to ill health. AjoyDube was conferred 'Dakshini 2010 Outstanding Contribution Award' for community work in the last 25 years.

President of Dakshini Bengali Association Sarnath Chattaraj, while talking to India Journal, said the only aim of the organization is to coordinate and promote cultural and social activities among the community. He thanked the executive committee members, other community leads and volunteers for their dedication and support to make the function a success.